Nevin Manimala

BMC Public Health. 2022 Sep 16;22(1):1758. doi: 10.1186/s12889-022-14145-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought drastic changes to the lives of the global population. The restrictions imposed by government agencies impacted the daily lives of citizens, influencing several health behaviors, such as physical activity (PA). Thus, the present study aimed to assess the prevalence of physical inactivity (PI) and its associated factors before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: A population-based household seroepidemiological survey was conducted in two Brazilian municipalities located in the state of Minas Gerais, in which 1750 volunteers were interviewed between October and December 2020. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire in an electronic format. The moments considered for the PI analysis were M0 (before the pandemic), M1 (from March to July 2020), and M2 (from October to December 2020). Descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to examine the factors associated with PI before (M0) and during the pandemic (M1 and M2).

RESULTS: The prevalence of PI was higher in the first months of the pandemic (M1) (67.3%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 62.4-71.9) than in the months from October to December 2020 (M2) (58.7%; 95% CI: 52.8-64.3); however, at both times (M1 and M2), PI was more prevalent than in the period before the pandemic started (M0) (39.7%; 95% CI: 35.6-43.8). Individuals who were overweight, obese, and had low educational levels were more likely to be physically inactive. At both M1 and M2, individuals who worked at a work from home were less likely to have PI.

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively influenced PA, substantially increasing the prevalence of PI. The determinants associated with PI were education, body mass index, and work from home.

PMID:36114535 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-022-14145-1

BMC Endocr Disord. 2022 Sep 17;22(1):232. doi: 10.1186/s12902-022-01147-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Current evidence demonstrates that blood glucose fluctuation can be associated with depression and anxiety. The association among blood glucose fluctuation, traditional risk factors and emotional disorders in T2DM should be studied and clarified.

METHODS: A total of 182 diabetic patients including 81 patients with depression or anxiety and 101 patients without emotional disorder were enrolled into this study. Data were obtained through medical history and questionnaire survey. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.

RESULTS: The comparison results of basic information between the two groups showed that the differences of the proportion of female were statistically significant (p = 0.002). There was no statistical difference in laboratory examination indexes between the two groups, however, standard deviation of blood glucose (SDBG) and postprandial glucose excursion (PPGE) of the comorbidity group were significantly higher than that of control group (p = 0.032 and p = 0.037). The results of questionnaire survey showed that there were statistically significant differences in sleep quality, PSQI and dietary habit between the two groups (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). Stratified analysis results according to gender showed that the percentage of cognitive disorder, anxiety and depression in female group was significantly higher than that in male group (p = 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). Mini-mental state examination (MMSE), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) score in female group were also higher than male group (p = 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis results showed that SDBG and sleep quality were associated with emotional disorders in T2DM (p = 0.040 and p < 0.001) and the OR values of these factors were 7.588 (1.097-52.069) and 4.428 (2.649-7.401).

CONCLUSIONS: Blood glucose fluctuation and sleep quality are associated with the increased prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders in T2DM.

PMID:36114534 | DOI:10.1186/s12902-022-01147-8

BMC Pulm Med. 2022 Sep 16;22(1):347. doi: 10.1186/s12890-022-02147-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Few studies have implied the incidence of diaphragmatic hernia (DH) after spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) with unknown mechanisms. The current study aimed to identify whether there is an association between the DH and SP.

METHODS: We selected 46,897 patients with SP (SP cohort) and 46,897 without SP (non-SP matched cohort) from the National Health Insurance Database. Patients were frequency matched according to age, sex, and index year. The incidence of DH and its association with SP were assessed after stratifying different characteristics and comorbidities. Statistical analysis including chi-square test, t-test, cox proportional hazard model, and Kaplan-Meier method were used.

RESULTS: The results suggested there were significant associations between SP and DH, especially in the subgroup of patients with older age (aged 40-64 years: 2.61-fold in adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27-5.36; aged > 65 years: 1.97-fold in aHR, 95% CI 1.43-2.71), male sex (2.11-fold in aHR, 95% CI 1.56-2.85), hypertension (2.05-fold in aHR, 95% CI 1.30-3.23), diabetes mellitus (2.58-fold in aHR, 95% CI 1.37-4.86), and smoking-related disease (1.86-fold in aHR, 95% CI 1.28-2.71). The SP cohort has significantly correlated with DH within 5-year follow-up (< 2 years: 3.22-fold in aHR, 95% CI 2.10-4.94; 2-5 years: 1.70-fold in aHR, 95% CI 1.05-2.75).

CONCLUSIONS: The SP cohort had a higher incidence of DH than the non-SP matched cohort. A prospective study of indications based on the findings of the current research should be performed.

PMID:36114533 | DOI:10.1186/s12890-022-02147-z

BMC Pulm Med. 2022 Sep 16;22(1):349. doi: 10.1186/s12890-022-02146-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between hyoid bone position and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and to investigate its value as a complementary diagnostic method.

METHODS: A total of 133 patients who were diagnosed as OSA with an apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 5 were included. Clinical examination, level I polysomnography (PSG) and lateral cephalographic analysis were done. Comprehensive PSG characteristics were compared according to hyoid bone position and the predictive power of the distance between the mandible and hyoid was assessed.

RESULTS: The distance between the hyoid bone and mandibular plane was significantly longer in the severe OSA group (p = 0.013). The distance from hyoid bone to third vertebrae (C3) and hyoid bone to mentum were also longer in the severe OSA group but the difference did not reach statistical significance. The distance between hyoid bone and mandibular plane was effective in predicting severe OSA, with a cut-off value of 19.45 mm (AUC = 0.623, p = 0.040). When grouped according to a distance cut-off value of 19.45 mm, those with a longer distance between the hyoid bone and mandibular plane showed more respiratory disturbance, lower oxygen saturation levels, less deep slow wave sleep, and more fragmented sleep with arousals.

CONCLUSIONS: The distance between the hyoid bone and mandibular plane derived from cephalometric analysis can be a valuable diagnostic parameter that can be easily applied in differentiating severe OSA patients.

PMID:36114522 | DOI:10.1186/s12890-022-02146-0

Public Health Rep. 2022 Sep 16:333549221123579. doi: 10.1177/00333549221123579. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Minimal research has assessed COVID-19’s unique impact on the Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NH/PI) population-an Indigenous-colonized racial group with social and health disparities that increase their risk for COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. To address this gap, we explored the scope of COVID-19 outcomes, vaccination status, and health in diverse NH/PI communities.

METHODS: NH/PI staff at partner organizations collected survey data from April through November 2021 from 319 community-dwelling NH/PI adults in 5 states with large NH/PI populations: Arkansas, California, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Pearson χ² tests, independent and paired t tests, and linear and logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, 30% of survey participants had contracted COVID-19, 16% had a close family member who died of the disease, and 64% reported COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Thirty percent reported fair/poor health, 21% currently smoked cigarettes, and 58% reported obesity. Survey participants reported heightened COVID-19-related psychosocial distress (mean score = 4.9 on 10-point scale), which was more likely when health outcomes (general health, sleep, obesity) were poor or a family member had died of COVID-19. Logistic regression indicated that age, experiencing COVID-19 distress, and past-year use of influenza vaccines were associated with higher odds of COVID-19 vaccine uptake (1.06, 1.18, and 7.58 times, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Our empirical findings highlight the acute and understudied negative impact of COVID-19 on NH/PI communities in the United States and suggest new avenues for improving NH/PI community health, vaccination, and recovery from COVID-19.

PMID:36113145 | DOI:10.1177/00333549221123579

Cancer Control. 2022 Jan-Dec;29:10732748221127156. doi: 10.1177/10732748221127156.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Common mental disorders (CMD) are the most usual reactions following cancer diagnosis causing significant psychological sufferings. Even though research-based evidence is necessary for mental health promotion and intervention activities, there is a scarcity of evidence in Ethiopia to assist policy makers’ efforts in reforming mental health care particularly that of cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this research is to assess the magnitude of common mental disorders and associated factors among cancer patients who have a follow-up treatment at Black Lion Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

METHOD: Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August 1 to September 30, 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 396 study participants. A Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) and interviewer-administered structured questionnaire were employed to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals was used to report the findings.

RESULT: A total of 396(230 men and 160 women) participants took part in the study. The overall magnitude of CMD among cancer patients was found to be 70.3%, of which the rate was 73.5% among women and 67.8% among men, in the last 4 weeks. Being women (AOR = 1.74; 95%CI: 1.00, 3.02), unemployed (AOR = 3.035, 95% CI: 1.37, 6.72), average monthly income of less than 1600 Ethiopian Birr (AOR = 2.838; 95%CI: 1.58, 5.08), being on cancer treatment for more than 5 years (AOR = 2.653, 95% CI: 1.39, 5.03), poor social support (AOR = 3.618, 95% CI: 1.33, 9.80), and current use of substances (AOR = 6.852; 95% CI: 2.038, 23.034) were the factors significantly associated with CMD.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Common mental disorders are one of the major health concerns among cancer patients. Common mental disorders were found to be more common in females and among current users of a psychoactive substance. Therefore, cancer patients need special attention of not only physicians but also that of mental health professionals for possible detection and early treatment of mental disorders. Rendering social and economic support may reduce the negative effects of the illness.

PMID:36113140 | DOI:10.1177/10732748221127156

Am Surg. 2022 Sep 15:31348221126953. doi: 10.1177/00031348221126953. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education mandates that residency programs incorporate cost awareness into patient care. This presents a challenge for surgical residents because they must understand operating room costs in addition to other expenses. Trainees’ understanding of operating room supply costs is not well understood.

METHODS: A survey was distributed to surgical residents (N = 73) at an urban, university-based residency program. Residents estimated the costs of 21 single-use operating room items. Descriptive statistics and a regression analysis were calculated.

RESULTS: The response rate was 62%. Respondents accurately estimated costs for a median of 7/21 items, with error ranging from 26% to 5438%. They substantially underestimated the three highest-cost items. Increasing post-graduate year did not improve estimation accuracy (β = .233, P = .138).

DISCUSSION: Residents have a poor understanding of single-use item costs, and this does not improve with post-graduate training, suggesting inefficiencies. There is opportunity to educate residents and ultimately decrease surgical health care costs.

PMID:36113130 | DOI:10.1177/00031348221126953

Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2022 Sep 14:10499091221123566. doi: 10.1177/10499091221123566. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To describe the use of tele-palliative care in patients with advanced disease and assess its effectiveness on quality of life (QOL), symptom burden and other outcomes for patients and their caregivers. Methods: We searched for randomised controlled trials to assess the outcomes of tele-palliative care on patients with advanced disease and their caregivers. Eight databases were searched for studies published in Chinese or English from inception to November 27, 2021. Data from the included trials were extracted independently by 2 reviewers and evaluated independently for methodological quality using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. A narrative synthesis of the results of all trials was performed. Results: Thirty trials were included ultimately with more than one half of the studies were moderate to high quality, including, which involved 19 665 patients and 1153 caregivers. Results from 10/15 included trials (reporting patient QOL), 5/14 trials (reporting patient symptoms), 1/3 trials (reporting survival), 8/13 trials (reporting patient mood), 3/6 trials (reporting ACP related indicators), 3/7 trials (reporting resource utilization) showed statistically significant between tele-palliative care and control care groups. Of 30 trials, 8 measured caregiver outcomes, 1/4 trials (reporting caregiver QOL) showed statistically significant, and results from 3/3 trials (reporting caregiver mood), 3/4 trials (reporting caregiver burden) showed benefit in at least 1 domain at 1 or more time points. Conclusions: This systematic review suggests that although tele-palliative care can improve patient physical, patient and caregiver psychological health outcomes to some extent, there is still a lack of sufficient evidence to substantiate its application effects. Moreever, regional and cultural characteristics should also be taken into account when tele-palliative care interventions are carried out.

PMID:36113129 | DOI:10.1177/10499091221123566

Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2022 Sep 13:15459683221124126. doi: 10.1177/15459683221124126. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) frequently experience dizziness and imbalance that may be caused by central vestibular system dysfunction. Vestibular rehabilitation may offer an approach for improving dysfunction in these people.

OBJECTIVE: To test the efficacy of a gaze and postural stability (GPS) retraining intervention compared to a strength and endurance (SAE) intervention in PwMS.

METHODS: About 41 PwMS, with complaints of dizziness or history of falls, were randomized to either the GPS or SAE groups. Following randomization participants completed 6-weeks of 3×/week progressive training, delivered one-on-one by a provider. Following intervention, testing was performed at the primary (6-weeks) and secondary time point (10-weeks). A restricted maximum likelihood estimation mixed effects model was used to examine changes in the primary outcome of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) between the 2 groups at the primary and secondary time point. Similar models were used to explore secondary outcomes between groups at both timepoints.

RESULTS: Thirty-five people completed the study (17 GPS; 18 SAE). The change in the DHI at the primary time point was not statistically different between the GPS and SAE groups (mean difference = 2.33 [95% CI -9.18, 12.85]). However, both groups demonstrated significant improvement from baseline to 6-weeks (GPS -8.73; SAE -7.31). Similar results were observed for secondary outcomes and at the secondary timepoint.

CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of PwMS with complaints of dizziness or imbalance, 6-weeks of GPS training did not result in significantly greater improvements in dizziness handicap or balance compared to 6-weeks of SAE training.

PMID:36113117 | DOI:10.1177/15459683221124126

Public Health Rep. 2022 Sep 16:333549221121667. doi: 10.1177/00333549221121667. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: How Right Now (HRN) is an evidence-based, culturally responsive communication campaign developed to facilitate coping and resilience among US groups disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. To inform the development of this campaign, we examined patterns in emotional health, stress, and coping strategies among HRN’s audiences, focusing on differences among racial and ethnic groups.

METHODS: We used a national probability panel, AmeriSpeak, to collect survey data from HRN’s priority audience members in English and Spanish at 2 time points (May 2020 and May 2021). We conducted statistical testing to examine differences between time points for each subgroup (Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White) and differences among subgroups at each time point.

RESULTS: We found disparities in COVID-19-related mental health challenges and differences in coping strategies. Non-Hispanic Black respondents were more likely than non-Hispanic White respondents to report challenges related to the social determinants of health, such as affording food and housing (26.4% vs 9.4% in May 2020) and experiencing personal financial loss (46.6% vs 29.2% in May 2020). In May 2021, 30.6% of Hispanic respondents reported being unable to meet basic food or housing needs versus 8.2% of non-Hispanic White respondents, and 51.6% reported personal financial loss versus 26.5% of non-Hispanic White respondents.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study further illuminates what is needed to build emotional well-being pathways for people who historically have been economically and socially marginalized. Our findings underscore the need for public health interventions to provide culturally responsive mental health support to populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19 during the pandemic and into the future, with a focus on racial and ethnic disparities.

PMID:36113112 | DOI:10.1177/00333549221121667